Benj Pasek

Benj Pasek is an American composer and lyricist best known for his partnership with Justin Paul and their work in musical theatre, film, and television. Pasek has written songs and scores for Broadway productions, Hollywood films, and televised specials, collaborating with a range of performers, directors, and producers across the entertainment industry. His work has earned critical acclaim and multiple major awards.

Early life and education

Pasek was born in Philadelphia and raised in a Jewish family with ties to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and the greater Delaware Valley. He attended Central High School (Philadelphia), where he participated in school productions and music programs connected to institutions such as Bryn Mawr College workshops and regional theaters like Philadelphia Theatre Company. Pasek studied at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, a program associated with alumni networks including Stephen Sondheim protégés and faculty linked to the Tony Awards community. At Michigan he met collaborator Justin Paul through campus musical theater ensembles and organizations affiliated with Broadway and national touring companies.

Career

Pasek and Paul formed the duo Pasek and Paul, beginning their professional partnership in the mid-2000s with work for New York Theatre Workshop-adjacent projects and developmental productions connected to producers from Lincoln Center Theater and Roundabout Theatre Company. Early assignments involved composing for revues and workshops supported by networks including Carnegie Mellon University alumni and regional festivals such as New York Musical Festival and Humana Festival of New American Plays. Their career expanded into television specials and film collaborations with companies like Netflix, Fox, and Sony Pictures, and stage productions that moved to Broadway houses including the Neil Simon Theatre and the Music Box Theatre. Pasek’s collaborations extended to partnerships with directors and choreographers associated with La Jolla Playhouse, Kennedy Center, and the Old Globe Theatre.

Major works and collaborations

Pasek’s notable stage credits include co-creating the musical A Christmas Story: The Musical with collaborators who have worked with institutions like Minskoff Theatre and productions connected to the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. He co-wrote the book, music, and lyrics for Dogfight (musical) adaptations tied to film-to-stage development alongside teams connected to Second Stage Theater and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Pasek and Paul earned widespread recognition for creating the score and lyrics for Dear Evan Hansen, which premiered in developmental runs associated with Arena Stage and moved to Broadway, involving direction and design professionals from Atlantic Theater Company and presenters such as The New Group. In film, Pasek contributed songs and original music to the motion picture La La Land alongside filmmakers who collaborated with Lionsgate and cinematographers linked to the Academy Awards. He co-wrote the Grammy- and Oscar-winning song for the animated film The Greatest Showman, collaborating with performers and producers who have ties to 20th Century Fox and live concert producers like those behind The Hollywood Bowl. Pasek’s television work includes contributions to specials and series that involved production teams from NBC, ABC, and streaming projects with Hulu and Apple TV+ executives.

Awards and recognition

Pasek’s honors include accolades from the Tony Award committee for Best Original Score and nominations from the Pulitzer Prize advisory community for drama-related recognition of Dear Evan Hansen. He has received awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for songwriting achievements and nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for film music. Pasek and Paul have earned multiple Grammy Awards for their cast recordings and song releases, and recognition from industry guilds such as the Writers Guild of America and the Dramatists Guild of America. Additional honors include awards and citations from regional arts organizations like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and festival juries including South by Southwest panels.

Personal life

Pasek resides in New York City and maintains professional and social ties to creative communities in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. He has collaborated with a wide range of performers, directors, and producers from institutions including Broadway League members and cinematic collaborators linked to the Academy Awards circuit. Pasek is active in mentorship programs with organizations such as the Pulitzer Prize-adjacent dramatic workshops and musical theater development initiatives that partner with universities like the Yale School of Drama and conservatories such as the Juilliard School.

Category:American lyricists Category:American musical theatre composers Category:People from Philadelphia